Tag: “women-in-paint”

Stepping into a new industry has its challenges, and Christina Rampulla has tackled them all. From working in a daycare center to a tanning salon to a gym, Christina has taken on several different opportunities during her career. As a wife and mother from Slatington, PA with a degree in communication from Kutztown University, she’s always dedicated her personal and professional life to service. Whether it be taking care of her daughter or caring for customers, one commonality between all these roles is serving others. So how did she find herself working for a professional painting company?     Three years ago, Christina accepted an open General Manager role at Ryan Amato Painting LLC in Easton, PA. The position matched her values, experience, and qualifications, and soon after meeting with Owner Ryan Amato, Christina joined the team.     Ryan Amato Painting is a family-owned and operated company specializing in both residential and commercial painting services. They boast a wide range of capabilities, including interior and exterior painting, cabinet refinishing, pressure washing, and epoxy flooring & countertops.     With an open mind and willingness to learn, Christina jumped right into the business and started by observing various roles at the company. She takes pride in all that she’s learned, from how to measure a room, to the type of products needed for a given scope of work, to the different paint hues and sheens needed for a space.     As a woman in the professional painting industry, Christina is incredibly proud of how much she’s accomplished and the confidence she exudes when serving customers. It’s true some people find it surprising to hear my voice on the other end of the phone speaking about paint and epoxy!” Christina remarks.     Christina is often the first person to connect with clients and vendors, a responsibility that she does not take lightly. She says, I enjoy building relationships with our clients throughout a project. It’s a pleasure and responsibility of mine that I love doing.”     Her commitment to serving customers exemplifies her dedication and passion to continuously improving her craft. We all know our strengths and limits. It’s important that no matter what service industry you’re in, enjoy it and own it!” Christina exclaims.     To learn more about Women in PaintTM and hear other professional women painters’ stories, visit behr.com/womeninpaint.  

Meet Gloria Fonseca, Owner of Fonsis, a women-owned painting and carpentry business based in Miami-Dade County, Florida specializing in commercial painting, cabinetry, and vinyl flooring installation.     Gloria’s entrance into the construction industry began with a complete career shift in 2016. She had just resigned from her position as a social worker after working there for over 10 years. During this time, her husband Carlos was working in the painting and construction industry, and Gloria decided to take a leap of faith and team up with him. Fast forward to today, the duo has built a strong reputation for themselves and their company that exemplifies customer satisfaction and high-quality work.     Building a reputation for any business demands persistence and time. Gloria knew a significant amount of work was needed to achieve her goals of winning government contracts with counties and municipalities. Safe to say, Gloria and Carlos’ efforts have paid off. One of the company’s first projects was to paint five Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue Department Stations using BEHR® Paint, one of which includes a Hangar station for the Air Rescue Department. Since then, Fonsis has been contracted to paint numerous schools and attributes her expertise to the educational work she’s invested in on a professional level, including attending Florida International University’s Project Management Cohort and the Miami-Dade College’s Turner School of Construction Management.     Today, continuous education remains at the heart of Fonsis’ business model. Not only has it helped facilitate the company’s growth to win government contracts, but it has also fostered employee development through the company’s investment in professional training. Gloria frequently arranges for paint and equipment suppliers to conduct in-depth demonstrations to her team, ensuring they are well-versed in product knowledge, usage, proper techniques, and equipment handling.   I’m a firm believer that employees work best when they feel empowered through knowledge and training,” says Gloria.   Inclusion is also very important to Gloria and Carlos. They have extended numerous opportunities to individuals often overlooked, recruiting employees from women’s shelters to give them a chance for a fresh start.     It’s important for me to know that I’m not only giving my woman workers the proper tools to succeed, but that they know and believe they are just as important and capable to perform the job as any other person,” Gloria emphasizes.   Fonsis’ reputation in the Miami-Dade community is a testament to the resilient, hardworking employees that are the heart of the company. Gloria is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment for her employees and hopes to be an example for all women interested in the skilled trades to pursue your dreams regardless of your beginnings.   To learn more about Women in PaintTM and hear other women professional painters’ stories, visit behr.com/womeninpaint.

KARYN GRAMBUSCH Owner | Kary’Lyn Images   Karyn Grambusch is not one to shy away from living a busy life. With over 40 different jobs in her lifetime, the Colorado native has always embraced the hustle and bustle of life while truly embodying a “never stop learning” mentality. From being a piano teacher and seamstress to a cake decorator and school bus driver, you name it, she’s done it! So how did she find herself as the owner and operator of a professional painting company?     Maybe I just didn’t know how much I love to paint!” says Karyn.   Karyn’s story to owning her professional painting company is a tale about trying new things and always saying “yes.” As a wife and mom of four children, she worked hard to provide for her family and needed some extra income, so she decided to ask a friend who was a professional painter if she could work for him. She trained with him, and he even helped her get her painting contractor’s license. A short three months later, the painter she worked for decided to pursue a different career, leaving Karyn at a crossroads. Still fairly new to the industry, she was only starting to grow her network and didn’t have many clients yet.   Instead of hanging up the towel, Karyn was determined to pursue the career she was beginning to love. She started to receive some calls for estimates and decided to take a chance at building her business. Flash forward five years later, Karyn is the proud owner of Oregon-based Kary’Lyn Images and has built a strong network with several repeat clients. She’s even made connections with other women painting business owners who offer support to one another through referrals.     She is also an advocate for paying it forward and now teaches other women and men how to paint, including her daughter who works in the family business. Visit her Facebook page and you’ll find several instructional videos with tips and tricks in the spirit of helping others succeed in their craft.     Karyn’s commitment and passion for professional painting has never wavered. Despite the challenges of starting and running a business, her passion for painting drives her to persevere, showing future generations how fulfilling and gratifying it is to be a female entrepreneur in the painting industry.   I love what I do and that is the most important thing so that work isn’t as much work!” Karyn exclaims.   To learn more about Women in PaintTM and hear other professional women painters’ stories, visit behr.com/womeninpaint.  

Did you know that women make up only 10% of the building trades workforce? Though in recent years, more women have entered skilled trades than ever before. Behr Paint Company wants to shine a spotlight on the underrepresentation of women painting contractors and celebrate the successes of women leading the industry to inspire future generations. Behr’s Women in Paint™ program is an ongoing pledge to amplify voices, expand allyship, and support educational opportunities. In partnership with the Painting Contractors Association (PCA), we created a Business Anatomy episode for their docu-series that highlights four professional women painters. Meet the women who are pouring their passion into the paint industry and paving a path for their successors.   GILLIAN NIELSEN President | Contemporary Surface Solutions, LLC   With more than 35 years of experience in the commercial painting industry, Gillian has built a rewarding career from the ground up. She began professionally painting at the age of 20, and by 22, she was the first commercial [painting] forewoman in San Diego, California.   Since her start, Gillian has been determined to break down barriers and pave the way for other women to follow in her footsteps. From working as a residential painter in her early days to her current role as the owner of Contemporary Surface Solutions, Gillian wants to inspire other women to pursue their dreams. In fact, she has mentored many young women and places an emphasis on employing women painters at her company. Gillian continues to be well-recognized and celebrated in the industry by her clients for her leadership, honesty and loyalty and attributes her success to the power of hard work and dedication.   GINA KOERT President | Shamrock Painting, Inc.   Gina brings over two decades of experience working as a commercial contractor in Denver, Colorado. As the President of Shamrock Painting, Inc., former Board Director of the Painting Contractors Association (PCA), and Advisor to Finish Robotics, Gina is heavily involved in the industry and attributes her continued growth and success to building meaningful relationships with her peers. Gina’s expertise lies in overseeing daily operations, building new business strategies, and investing in continuous education and training for those in the skilled trades. She is a firm believer in educating the next generation of skilled workers and instilling a positive culture amongst her employees.   I love the gratification of being able to set people up for success, lead, and educate,” she remarks.   A believer in the power of positive culture, Gina hopes to inspire future professional painters by demonstrating that professional painting can be a dynamic and rewarding career.   BILLIE MACHAIN & VERONICA TUCCI Co-Owners/Managing Partners | Billie’s Painting Solutions   Billie Machain and Veronica Tucci are a mother daughter duo who co-own their commercial painting company, Billie’s Painting Solutions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They started their business in 2022 and have seen tremendous growth since then, surpassing their first-year goal by 300%. Not only are they finding financial success, but they also attribute their growth to their tight-knit relationship and strong co-managing capabilities with one another.   My mom and I have moments that we haven’t shared ever,” Veronica proclaims. “We’ve built something, and we’ve experienced the worst together and the best together.”   Billie and Veronica’s combined experience allows them to creatively approach each project with a familial lens. Together, they are dedicated to training, mentoring, and developing their employees to educate and set future women painters up for success in their careers.   There are so many opportunities for women and it’s only becoming more advantageous for women to get into the [professional painting] industry,” Veronica proclaims.     To learn more about the program and how these women are trailblazing the industry, visit behr.com/womeninpaint.

GILLIAN NIELSEN President | Contemporary Surface Solutions, LLC   Gillian Nielsen is considered an industry veteran when it comes to professional painting. With over 35 years of experience under her belt, she understands the true meaning of “work hard and you’ll succeed.” But it wasn’t always an easy road navigating a predominantly male industry. Gillian began her career in residential painting at the age of 20 and was quickly drawn to the hustle and bustle of working in the skilled trades. As one of few women in the industry, she faced resistance on the job but was determined to prove her place. In fact, by the age of 22, she became San Diego’s first woman commercial foreperson and quickly became a sought-after painter.   If you haven’t already realized, Gillian is not one to be discouraged. Rather, she approaches every opportunity as a way to grow and develop her skills rather than set her back, taking on various roles throughout her career from painter to estimator to vice president. These experiences allowed her to hone her expertise and eventually position her to start a painting business.   In 2017, Gillian accomplished what many dream of – owning and operating her own business. She combined her wealth of knowledge and passion for paint and started Contemporary Surface Solutions, LLC, a first-generation women-owned full-service paint contracting company in San Diego specializing in fabric wrapped panels, architectural films, and wallcoverings.     Gillian’s story serves as a promising reminder that through hard work and determination, dreams can be realized. And her story doesn’t stop here – Gillian is committed to mentoring young women in the industry and employs many woman painters at her company.   I want to inspire other women to pursue their dreams, break down barriers, and pave the way for other women to follow,” Gillian says.   Take one look at her on the job and it’s evident her passion and commitment shine with every project she takes on. Gillian continues to be well-recognized and celebrated in the industry by her clients for her leadership, honesty and loyalty and looks forward to what the future holds.   To learn more about Women in PaintTM and hear other professional women painters’ stories, visit behr.com/womeninpaint.  

GINA KOERT President | Shamrock Painting, Inc.     When it comes to being involved in the professional painting industry, Gina Koert has a full resume. As the president and owner of Shamrock Painting, Inc. in Denver, Colorado, former Board Director of the Painting Contractors Association (PCA), and Advisor to Finish Robotics, she enjoys maintaining a full schedule and attributes much of her growth and success to staying involved in the industry.   Gina’s story in professional painting began working with her father who owned the family business, Shamrock Painting. After he transitioned the business to Gina, she saw this as a strategic opportunity to reflect on how she could take the foundational success her father built and grow the company even further.   My father laid the first stage of the foundation for the business…and it allowed me the opportunity to look at it and say, ‘what’s the second stage of growth and how can I take this [forward] with what I’ve learned,’” Gina recalls.   It’s safe to say that Gina’s certainly taken the trajectory of the company to new heights. Since taking ownership, she’s more than doubled the business and taken it on a new growth plan. But this financial success doesn’t come without a dedicated and passionate group of employees. Gina’s placed a high level of importance on instilling a positive culture in the workplace by creating an environment that focuses on recognizing and celebrating her employees’ success.   I love the gratification of being able to set people up for success, lead, and educate,” she remarks.     Gina’s passion for continuous education doesn’t stop within her company. She’s invested in educating and inspiring the next generation of skilled workers through organizations like the PCA, where she laid the groundwork for creating “Trade Best Practice” training videos. It’s true that Gina embodies the saying, “never stop learning” as she continues to push new boundaries and demonstrate that professional painting can be an exciting and lucrative career.   To learn more about Women in PaintTM and hear other professional women painters’ stories, visit behr.com/womeninpaint.  

BILLIE MACHAIN & VERONICA TUCCI Co-Owners/Managing Partners | Billie’s Painting Solutions   Billie Machain and Veronica Tucci are no ordinary mother/daughter duo. They set out to accomplish something special – to co-own a painting business together. In 2022, Billie and Veronica started Billie’s Painting Solutions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a commercial painting community that specializes in new residential painting from homes to apartments. Since starting their business, they have seen great success, surpassing their first-year goal by 300%. Now you may be thinking, how did this dream team come to be and what’s attributed to their rapid growth? This story is a reminder to dream big and chase your passions no matter the path you take.   Billie Machain has spent over 30 years in the paint industry. She started out stocking paint in a paint store and then landed a subcontracting role doing estimating. With a lot of experience and success under her belt, Billie decided to start her own painting company.   It takes a lot of tenacity [to run a business] … but at all levels, very satisfying because you’re in an industry where I think women can excel,” Machain says.   Veronica, daughter of Billie, took a different career path. While going to school for accounting, she worked for a paint manufacturer to keep herself busy. After working in the paint industry for a while, she needed a change and decided to try sales and management in the insurance industry. Well, you know the saying, “you don’t know a good thing until it’s gone.” A lingering feeling was left inside her as she found herself continually intrigued by ‘what could be’ in paint.     After listening to her mom’s ongoing success in the industry, Veronica decided to meet with her mother one day for lunch. That’s when Billie asked Veronica to partner with her and own a painting business together.   I was never a risk taker, but this was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. We have the background, passion and tenacity to build and grow an amazing team and business together and we knew we had to take a chance,” Veronica proclaims.   That chance was well worth the risk as they have not only seen financial success but have also grown closer working alongside each other. The close relationship they hold together brings a fresh approach to communication and problem solving, allowing them to creatively approach each project with a familial lens unique to the industry.   They are excited about the future of their business as they enter the residential repaint market and are proud to have a team of only women professional painters on the job.   To learn more about Women in PaintTM and hear other professional women painters’ stories, visit behr.com/womeninpaint.